Jeremiah 12:1 – “Lord, you have always been fair whenever I have complained to you.  However, I would like to speak with you about the disposition of justice.  Why are wicked people successful?  Why do all dishonest people have such easy lives?”

As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today, Jeremiah 12 commanded my attention.   The chapters preceding this one explore themes of obedience, righteousness, and right living.  The way Jeremiah began Chapter 12 gave me pause.  Jeremiah, like us, complained to God about what he saw and his evaluation of fairness.

He began right but quickly gave way to human thinking.   “LORD, You have always been fair whenever I complained to You.  However, (here it comes, the but), I would like to speak with You about the disposition of justice…”   

Imagine coming to God and saying, “God, you’ve always been fair, BUT You missed something, so let me make You aware of the problem.  You don’t see it, but I do so that I will apprise You of the problem.  Then he continued, “Why are wicked people successful?  Why do all (not some but all) dishonest people have such easy lives?” Yes, God, I’m struggling, and I’m limiting myself, doing all the right things, and yet they are not, but life’s a party for them.  What’s up with that?”

In Jeremiah 12:5, God answered, “If you have raced on foot against men and they have worn you out, how will you compete with horses?  And if you feel secure, only safe, and open country, how will you manage the thick undergrowth along the Jordan River?”

God’s sense of humor is on full display here.  He was saying, “Jeremiah, if you keep comparing yourself to others when it really doesn’t impact you, and things are relatively easy, what will you do if it becomes life or death?  You are looking at the wrong thing, being self-centered rather than trusting Me.“

• If we look to God and give everything to Him, we know He is always just. 
• If we are distracted by other people when things are easy, how distracted will we be when it gets really bad? 
• If our faith is stretched to the limit in ease, will we have any faith at all when it gets really bad?

John 14:1-2 and John 15 are my go-to passages for comfort and prevention when I’m tempted to look at others, seeming ease in their rebellion.     Why me, Lord?     There, I see the eternal destiny of everyone and know that no matter what, I’m loved, cared for, protected, and preserved.    In Him, I have hope.    Psalm 91 reminds me that I have angelic protection.

 So, never use human logic to rationalize how you think God should be acting.  Surrender everything to Him and rest in His perfection.  Ultimately, you get to abide in His house in heaven forever!    The Present, with its problems, is minuscule compared to the presence of His there.

May your day be filled with His goodness and your focus on His mercy, not the unfairness of life!